Sotheby’s, a renowned auction house, is set to host a spectacular event for sports enthusiasts and collectors alike. The upcoming “Sports Week” will offer a unique opportunity to own a piece of history linked to some of the most iconic athletes across various sports disciplines. The series of live and online auctions will provide a platform for bidding on memorabilia tied to the extraordinary careers of legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry.
The much-anticipated “Sports Week” will consist of six distinct auctions, each focusing on different themes and featuring a plethora of valuable items:
1. Los Angeles Lakers | Capsule Collection (March 27-April 10): Highlighting memorable Lakers’ memorabilia.
2. The Thrilla in Manila (March 27-April 10): Showcasing Muhammad Ali’s historic boxing trunks.
3. ZENITH | Important Sports Artifacts (March 27-April 10): Featuring significant pieces from various sports.
4. Court Classics | Important Basketball Sneakers (March 29-April 12): Displaying collectible basketball footwear.
5. NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game | Online (March 28-April 15): Online auction of All-Star Game memorabilia.
6. NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game | Live (April 11 7PM ET): Live auction of All-Star Game items.
Sotheby’s has noticed a surge in interest for exclusive sports artifacts as collectors seek out rare and noteworthy pieces. One of the standout lots in the auction is Michael Jordan’s autographed shoes worn during Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals. This iconic pair, given to two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys by Jordan himself, is anticipated to fetch a remarkable price ranging from $200,000 to $400,000.
Another significant item up for auction is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the historic 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier. Previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, these iconic trunks are now expected to command a staggering amount between $4 and $6 million in the upcoming auction, highlighting the enduring legacy of the boxing legend.
The Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” will feature prized possessions such as Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, valued between $1.5 to $2.5 million, and a Lebron James jersey from his memorable 38,000th point game, estimated at $300,000 to $500,000. A portion of the proceeds from selected Lakers auction items will contribute to the Lakers Youth Foundation, further enhancing the impact of these auctions beyond the realm of sports memorabilia.
The “Zenith” auction promises to showcase exceptional items like Michael Jordan’s ‘Shattered Backboard’ jersey from 1985, Ernie Banks’ 500th home run jersey, and a Wayne Gretzky St. Louis Blues jersey from the 1995-96 season. These artifacts hold immense historical value and are sure to attract avid collectors and sports aficionados alike.
Additionally, NBA Auctions will offer a range of memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game, including jerseys worn by basketball superstars such as LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the event’s festivities. This collection of items provides fans with a unique opportunity to own a piece of the All-Star Game’s legacy and celebrate the achievements of these prominent athletes.
In conclusion, Sotheby’s “Sports Week” auctions offer a captivating glimpse into the world of sports memorabilia, allowing enthusiasts to bid on exclusive items linked to legendary athletes and pivotal moments in sports history. With an array of prestigious artifacts up for grabs, this event is set to be a thrilling and rewarding experience for both collectors and fans of the sporting world.
